The Portland daily press., 1887-02-04
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
PRINCESS IDA.

hl&NtEob IDA.
Stetson's opera company appeared at City
Hall last evening in Gilbert d Sullivan's
Princess Ida," the least known of the yali-
Gus works of these celebrated collaborateurs
That the opera in the past should not have
proved great popular success. is not snr-
prising. Its aim is too high, and. in addf-
ton, there are none of those scatchinpu
melodies that SO tickle the public. But there
is some beautiful musical writing, worthy of
Sir Arthur, and the orchestration throughout
commands the earnest attention of the musi-
cal ear. Since the opera was first produced
there has been evidently considerable re-
writing and an introduction of burlesoue
that, whatever may be said of its fitness. is
nevertheless very funny and serves to delight
the audience. The plot is fashioned after
that of Tennyson's Princess" Princess
Ida, daughter of King Cana, betrothed as a
child to Prince Hilarion, has, as a woman.
become the principal of young woman's
college, where even the name of man is for
Dldden. Hilarion and his friends, and King
Cana as well, disguise themselves as women
and obtain entrance to the university. They
are gaming the favor of the princess and the
girls, when Hilarion's father, King Hilde-
brand, presents himself and declares if Ida
u ot,'S NOT marry MS son he. will take all the
STUDENTS prisoners. The princess defies him.
Inc girls arm and prepare for battle. but
DeIore serious consequences ensue. they suc-
cumb and all ends happily.
AS general rule last night the choruses
Mere good, especially that of 80 Dainty
irlolet, and the ensemble at the close Of
the second act was worked up with much
skill and effect. The SOloists were ali salts
factory. Miss Alice Carrie as Lady Blanche
carried Off the honors among the ladies for
aignlhed and appropriate action, while her
Lemont as Princess Ida dispiayed vary
pleasing, well cultivated voice. Miss Agnes
5tonS mace pretty and pleasing LADY
a anS ne ana ana rendered her song the Lady
Sne s To AIe very PRETTY Miss Jennesse
III the part. The loveliest number in the he
opera, the quartette in the second act was
beautifully rendered by Miss Lemont'
Messrs. stanton, Branson and Fay, and in
t this connection we may say that ali three of
singing last night. Their two trios were
warmly encored. The hit of the EVENING
was made by Mr.. j. w. Herbert as CANA,
lie is born burlesque artist, and his dance
IN the second act was capital take off of
Dixey. -
The orchestra was led by Mr.. Braham last
night Tonight it will be increased by four
more pieces, when Patience" will be given.
Ihere was very large audience present last
night. '''0'
HIGH STREET ENTERTAINMENTS.
The entertainment given by the Ladies'
Circle of the High street church. in the YES
try OF the church last evening, pleased
large audience, whose liberal applause
showed the favor with which they received
the various numbers on the programme.
Mrs. Fellows and Mr.. Cushing sang num-
Der OF solos, and also sang duet, all of their
numbers. being encored. Mr.. Harvey Muir
gave several piano solos to great accentance'
and the piano duet by Miss Lyman and Mrs
Littieheld deserved the liberal applause it
received. Mr.. V. Richard Foss read a num-
Der OF selections in his capital STYLE. creating
mucn merrlment among his auditors. Be
lore the entertainment, an inviting supper
was served by the ladies.
NOTES.
Nine. Patti, when she takes bath. never
allows the water to touch her neck and face.
although the rest of her body is Immersed
She has singular theory that hot or cold
water produces wrinkles, from which she is
still free, although past forty years of age.
She cleans her face and neck by the copions
use of cold cream
The New York testimonial performance to
tne veteran actor, g. W. Couldock, in cele-
bration of his fifty years on the stage. will
be given by Booth, Jefferson, Barrett. Mrs,
Langtry and other stars, though they will
not play In the same piece as originally
planned.
The National Opera Company returns to
the Boston Theatre on the 1ith inst. for
seven performances only.